Camera Labs

Hi Gordon and co!

Just thougt of a fairly essential question I should have asked earlier- is it ok to buy a Japanese Nikon D40, when at some point I will be taking it back to the UK? Are there any issues about where I buy the camera?

Thanks!

Not sure what the situation is regarding relief from local taxation on your purchase so you need to do a bit of research about that.

Make sure your purchase is covered by an international warranty and don't be tempted to save yourself the import duty and VAT when you return to the EU!!!

Bob.

Isn't the import duty only for cases where you take the originally packed unused camera with you? If you unpack it and have it used already, you cannot sell it as a new product - thus no taxes?!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi Tom,

I think you will find that the definition of "used" is down to Customs & Excise here in the UK. One thing for sure, if you don't declare it and then subsequently re-import it after a holiday they will have serious questions to answer as the camera's serial number will not have been recorded.

Bob.

Hi Steve, technically speaking, the only part which is likely to be different is the charger. If you're lucky, the Japanese version will be sold with a charger which can adapt between 120 and 240v, and which has a socket for a mains lead. If this is the case, you can simply connect a UK mains lead (or use an adaper for your Japanese one) and you'll be off.

In terms of tax, Bob's right in that the UK authorities have the final say, but generally speaking they don't seem to be bothered about anything that's been used for more than 6 months and obviously ins't brand new.

Gordon

Sling it around you neck and take it as carry-on. They'll never know.

Zorro.

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http://zorrofox4.deviantart.com/



Various lenses, SB800 & Manfrotto 190 with 460MG head

Not sure about this, but the default language on your camera will probably be Japanese - you can change the language afterwards though. Plus, if there is another firmware update, you might be forced to download the Japanese version...

Make sure you get a warranty that is recognized in the UK.

Darrin

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Nikon D40 | Nikkor 18-55 VR | Nikkor 55-200 VR | Voigtländer Ultron 40mm SL-II | Nikon Speedlight SB-400

The D40 kit lens has a worldwide warranty, but the body only in Japan. I will be living in Japan for at least another year- but is the warranty valid for "life"?

If so I guess I may have a problem in the future.

What do you think?

Most Nikon warranties are for the country of origin for the DSLR body, or worldwide for the lens. I don't know why!

So that's the risk you'll need to weigh-up when buying a Nikon DSLR body abroad.

Gordon

Do you really think Nikon would reject camera service in another country. With the modern world relocation as a quite normal thing...
So far I've only heard good things about Nikon service.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I wish that were the case, but most companies are more localised than you'd think. It's of course worth a shot, but if I had a warranty which specifically stated it was only valid in Japan, I'd be surprised if the UK or US office would accept it.

The weird thing is Nikon does offer worldwide guarentees for its lenses - just not the digital bodies...

Gordon

Well I've already bought my D40 and am very happy with it. Importing a UK model would have cost significantly more, and I guess I'll cross the warranty bridge when I come to it- what does it specifically mean, that if the camera breaks in the UK I won't be able to have it repaired? Is that likely to happen? I mean, if its involved in an unfortunate accident surely insurance would cover it.

Having said all this, I know very little about warranties, insurance and other related matters.

You'll still be able to get it repaired anywhere, but outside of Japan, you or your insurance will be paying for it.

Gordon

Don't bother too much. Just go shooting and have fun!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses